More Information

FairfaxCountyofficials have found an infestation of
emerald ash borers in the Herndon area. These insects are a serious
threat to ash trees across the county. They have killed more than 20
million ashes in the Midwest.

This is only the second time that these non-native beetles have been
found in the county since a minor outbreak was contained in 2003. These
insects only affect ash trees, but an infestation is usually fatal.

County arborists are trying to determine how far the beetle may have
spread. To help officials, homeowners are asked to report any signs of
declining or dying ash trees. Call the Fairfax County Forest Pest
Program at 703-324-5304, TTY 711. More information is available to help identify ash trees
or the beetle.

White Ash Leaf

Green Ash Leaf

The leaves of infected trees will begin to die off starting at the top
third of the tree until it is completely bare. Other signs include
sprouts growing from the trunk or roots.

Approximately 20 to 30 infested trees were found near the intersection
of Campbell Way and Herndon Parkway. No live insects were found, but two
dead adult beetles were discovered, along with signs of larvae damage.

Because these pests are federally regulated, county officials are
waiting for a treatment plan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. A USDA scientific panel
may order that ash trees within a certain area be cut down, or they may
order a quarantine.

If imposed, a federal quarantine could mean that property owners are
prohibited from planting ash trees in the county. Additionally, ash trees
that have been cut down could not be transported outside the county.

Pesticides are generally not effective against the borer; cutting
down ash trees is the best way to control this pest.

The borer was first found in ash trees planted at Colvin Run Elementary
School in 2003. To control the infestation, 238 ash trees were cut down
within a half-mile of the site. The insects came from 121 infected trees
that were illegally sold in this area by a Michigan nursery. Starting in
2003, the federal government banned Midwestern nurseries from selling ash
trees outside their states.

Fairfax County has been monitoring for the insect since 2003, but
no infestations have been found until now. However, the borer is active
in Prince George’s County, Md., Pennsylvania and West Virginia. A
quarantine was issued for Prince George’s County in 2007, but it’s
unclear how far the insect may have spread in Pennsylvania and West
Virginia.

Emerald ash borers are native to China, Korea and Japan, and they first
arrived in this country from Asia in the 1990s.

For more information about the emerald ash borer, contact the Fairfax
County Forest Pest
Program, at 703-324-5304, TTY 711.

Fairfax County is committed to
nondiscrimination on the basis of disability in all county programs,
services and activities. To request this information in an alternate
format, call the Office of Public Affairs at 703-324-3187, TTY 711.